Few dining experiences strike the perfect balance between elegance and indulgence quite like afternoon tea. Originating in Britain in the 19th century, afternoon tea has grown into a globally loved tradition. Today, it’s more than just sipping tea—it’s about creating an experience filled with bite-sized delights, stylish presentation, and memorable conversations.
In Melbourne, where food culture thrives, afternoon tea catering has become a popular choice for everything from weddings and bridal showers to corporate events and intimate gatherings. With the right caterer, you can transform an ordinary afternoon into a sophisticated affair that delights every guest.
This guide will walk you through the essentials of afternoon tea catering in Melbourne, covering styles, menus, prices, and tips to help you host a stylish event without stress.
What Makes Afternoon Tea Catering Special?
Afternoon tea catering isn’t just about providing food; it’s about creating an atmosphere. Here’s why it stands out:
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Elegance & Style – From dainty teacups to tiered stands filled with treats, afternoon tea is as much about presentation as taste.
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Perfect Portions – Small, delicate servings allow guests to enjoy a variety of flavors without feeling overly full.
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Social Experience – Afternoon tea encourages relaxed conversation, making it ideal for corporate networking or celebratory occasions.
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Flexible Menus – From classic scones and sandwiches to modern vegan and gluten-free options, afternoon tea menus can be tailored to suit your guests.
Events That Suit Afternoon Tea Catering
One of the reasons afternoon tea catering is growing in Melbourne is its versatility. It’s suitable for a wide range of events, including:
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Bridal showers and baby showers – Elegant, photogenic, and perfectly suited for celebrating milestones.
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Weddings – Afternoon tea adds a romantic, vintage touch to receptions.
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Corporate events – Great for client meetings, team-building afternoons, or staff appreciation gatherings.
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Birthday parties – An alternative to traditional party food, offering a refined yet fun vibe.
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Community or charity events – Easy to serve, visually appealing, and widely enjoyed.
No matter the occasion, afternoon tea adds sophistication and charm.
Afternoon Tea Catering Styles
When planning your event, consider the different styles of afternoon tea catering available in Melbourne:
1. Traditional Afternoon Tea
This style stays true to its British roots, featuring:
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Finger sandwiches (cucumber, smoked salmon, egg and cress)
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Scones with jam and cream
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Mini cakes and pastries
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A wide selection of teas
2. High Tea
Often confused with afternoon tea, high tea is more substantial, offering hot savory items such as:
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Mini quiches
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Savory pies
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Sliders or sausage rolls
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Heavier desserts
This style is perfect if you want something heartier for guests.
3. Modern & Themed Afternoon Tea
Melbourne’s food scene is known for creativity, and afternoon tea catering often comes with unique twists:
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Vegan afternoon tea spreads with plant-based pastries and sandwiches
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Gluten-free afternoon tea for dietary inclusivity
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Seasonal or themed menus (e.g., spring flowers, chocolate-themed, or festive Christmas high tea)
Typical Afternoon Tea Catering Menus
Most afternoon tea caterers in Melbourne will offer set menus that include a mix of sweet and savory. Here’s what you can expect:
Savory Options
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Assorted finger sandwiches (chicken, ham, vegetarian, salmon)
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Mini tartlets and quiches
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Savory scones with cheese or herbs
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Mini sliders or wraps (for modern high tea)
Sweet Options
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Classic scones with clotted cream and jam
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Mini cupcakes and macarons
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Éclairs, cheesecakes, and profiteroles
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Seasonal fruit tarts
Beverages
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Selection of teas (English breakfast, Earl Grey, green tea, herbal infusions)
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Coffee options for non-tea drinkers
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Sparkling wine or champagne (optional for celebratory events)
Pricing for Afternoon Tea Catering in Melbourne
The cost of afternoon tea catering in Melbourne varies depending on the caterer, menu complexity, and presentation. Here’s a general guide:
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Basic Afternoon Tea Platters – $15–$25 per person
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Gourmet Afternoon Tea Packages – $25–$40 per person
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High Tea with Hot Savories & Premium Desserts – $40–$60 per person
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Luxury/Custom Afternoon Tea – $60+ per person (often includes champagne, themed décor, and premium service)
Prices also depend on whether you want delivery-only, fully staffed service, or styled setups with tiered stands and table decorations.
Tips for Choosing the Right Afternoon Tea Caterer in Melbourne
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Menu Variety – Ensure they cater to dietary needs such as vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free.
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Presentation – Afternoon tea is about style, so check photos of previous setups.
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Customization – The best caterers will adapt menus to your event’s theme or requirements.
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Reviews & Recommendations – Look for caterers with proven experience and positive feedback from past clients.
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Budget Transparency – Ask for itemized quotes to avoid hidden costs.
Why Afternoon Tea Catering is Trending in Melbourne
Melbourne’s food culture thrives on experiences. Afternoon tea fits perfectly into this lifestyle because it’s more than just food—it’s an occasion. It’s a chance to slow down, savor delicate bites, and enjoy beautifully brewed tea while socializing.
In recent years, afternoon tea catering has become especially popular for:
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Corporate wellness programs – Companies are booking afternoon tea for staff to relax and bond.
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Instagram-worthy events – With tiered trays, floral setups, and pastel colors, afternoon tea is highly photogenic.
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Modern health-conscious choices – Caterers now offer lighter, healthier versions to suit today’s preferences.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to add elegance, taste, and style to your next event, afternoon tea catering in Melbourne is the perfect choice. With a variety of menus ranging from traditional finger sandwiches and scones to modern gourmet twists, afternoon tea can be tailored to suit any occasion and budget.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate meeting, or birthday celebration, afternoon tea creates a refined experience that your guests will remember.
Why Choose R&S Sandwiches for Afternoon Tea Catering in Melbourne?
At R&S Sandwiches, we bring the tradition of afternoon tea to life with a modern Melbourne touch. We’ve proudly helped countless clients host memorable events with our wide range of catering services.
Our afternoon tea catering includes:
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Freshly made finger sandwiches and wraps
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Classic and gourmet scones with cream and jam
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A tempting variety of pastries, cakes, and sweets
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Options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests
But we don’t stop there—we also offer breakfast catering, finger food catering, canapés, grazing platters, sweets, and full corporate catering services. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large corporate event, our team ensures delicious food, elegant presentation, and exceptional service every time.
Make your next event stylish, memorable, and stress-free with R&S Sandwiches—your go-to choice for afternoon tea catering in Melbourne.
